HOWARD LAKE, MN  Howard Lake Postmaster Lisa Carlson has been on the job for almost a year. Her official one-year anniversary is in October, having accepted the position when former Howard Lake postmaster Jack Lynch retired in July 2012.

Carlson began her career in the postal service in 1998, when she was hired as a clerk in the Annandale post office. From there, she went to the Cokato post office, again working as a clerk.

Carlson then applied for, and was hired, as the postmaster in Brownton. She has also been the postmaster in Winsted and Kimball previuos to being hired as Howard Lake’s postmaster.

Carlson noted there has been a decrease in mail volume over the last few years, resulting in government downsizing in the post office.

Due to retirements and government downsizing, the Howard Lake Post Office has only two clerks, so Carlson chips in to help wherever needed.

This includes helping to sort the daily mail until it is time to open the window at 8:30 a.m. When a clerk is not available, Carlson works the window, assisting customers, sometimes for the entire day.

As the postmaster, Carlson is responsible for everything concerning the Howard Lake Post Office, from hiring and firing to daily reports.

Carlson likes the postmaster position and enjoys interacting with customers. She also commented that she has great employees.

Working in Howard Lake enables Carlson to be close to home. She resides in Dassel with her three children; Brent is a sophomore in college, Abby is a freshman in high school, and Chase is starting kindergarten this fall.

In her spare time, Carlson enjoys camping, Rollerblading, biking, walking, trapshooting, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys scrapbooking, and has made one for each of her children.